TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Identity, encryption, authentication, cyber security, internet of things, and data analyticsOBJECTIVE: Design a product to support the implementation of block chain based data management, data analysis, and information sharing.DESCRIPTION: Blockchain technologies potentially offer a very flexible, low cost, and secure means of implementing data analytics architectures. In the virtual currency world, blockchains are distributed ledgers that keep track of all transactions authenticated by thousands of independent users' machines. This process in crypto currency, known as mining, inherently makes the ledger extremely difficult and expensive to hack. The use of machines to authenticate transactions makes authentication more cost effective. Virtual currencies like bitcoin have a governing body that manages and updates the algorithms for transactions and rules for user participation.Numerous entities banks, technology companies, etc. are exploring blockchain applications for the future. DHS can benefit from solutions that offer this level of flexibility, security, accountability and cost.PHASE I: Design and prototype an ecosystem that supports blockchain technology applications for data analytics that significantly improve DHS mission and operations. Proposed use cases include, but are not limited to, crypto-certified data and/or analytic transactions involving users and devices for the internet-of-things applications (IoT) such as encrypted sensor data transactions and analytics for first responders; information sharing and analysis between state, local, and federal law enforcement; and third party information sharing architectures involvement, perhaps in applications that improve security and experiences for the traveling public, or that improve bio-threat awareness. Offerors may define and propose relevant use cases and architectural concepts where there is a significant value proposition for the homeland security enterprise.Proposed solutions can involve open or closed environment blockchain applications. For example, open environments, such as cryptocurrencies, where anyone can participate. There are also closed-permissions based environments where community involvement may be controlled by participants. Regardless of the architecture, privacy is an important DHS priority for use cases that might involve any personally identifiable information (e.g., biographical, biometric). National computer, network and information security policies and standards are also important considerations for a viable solution that involves government participation. For scalability, solutions must also consider speed of analysis and any transaction validation features.In Phase I, the application ecosystem will be developed for data management that will include a data analytics methodology and approach for applying blockchain technology to significantly improve or enable homeland security applications and use cases. Produce an architecture that leverages existing or creates algorithms and computational techniques where practicable; show how components and services function in the ecosystem; and develop an approach for building and maintaining this ecosystem. Demonstrate and/or document implementation feasibility with respect to: concept of operations, crypto-certified data transactions, governance models, analytic framework, analytic algorithms, costs, privacy protection and security. Identify risks to privacy, security, operational performance and technology and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.PHASE II: Prototype, or expand on the prototype, developed in Phase I for the blockchain data management ecosystem(s), including the development of software services and design, and implementation of any equipment needed. Implement, expand, refine and characterize the performance of system modules and algorithms. Demonstrate prototype(s) and algorithms in a laboratory environment with data that reflects proposed homeland security applications and use cases. Demonstrate the value proposition of general core capabilities by developing and demonstrating multiple but disparate applications from the same core product capabilities. Refine the architecture and technical approach based on feedback from the government and marketplace as appropriate for selected applications. Initiate transition/commercialization options that leverage the strengths of demonstrated results, market demand and homeland security value propositions.In Phase II, the software ecosystem prototype will be delivered and made available to the government for assessment. This can happen through the delivery of preliminary software, equipment, or cloud based platform access.PHASE III: COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS: Blockchain technologies stand to radically transform options for data management, sharing and analysis across government. Because of the significant impact in areas such as governance, data sharing agreement enforcement, and encrypted analytics interchanges, there are a wide variety of applications in government and the commercial marketplace that can benefit from successful product development. Information sharing for the homeland security enterprise can help the DHS security operations across components as well as the state fusion centers. Additionally, such technologies can assist with resolving matters related to disaster response, where a variety of public and private resources are required to inform decision making at all levels of government and for individuals.REFERENCES:Maras, Elliot. (May 9, 2015). MIT Digital Currency Initiative Leader to Government Officials: Let's Get Open Data 2.0 Moving'. Retrieved from https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/mit-digitalcurrency-initiative-leader-government-officials-lets-get-open-data-2-0-moving/Hayase, Nozomi. (October 14, 2014). How Bitcoin's Block Chain Could Stop History Being Rewritten. Retrieved from http://www.coindesk.com/block-chain-aid-fight-free-speech/Hayase, Nozomi. (November 22, 2014). The Blockchain and the Rise of Networked Trust. Retrieved from http://www.coindesk.com/blockchain-rise-networked-trust/Device democracy Saving the future of the Internet of Things. Retrieved from http://www- 01.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=PM&subtype=XB&htmlfid=GBE03620USENOrcutt, Mike. (July 9, 2015). Why Nasdaq Is Betting on Bitcoin's Blockchain. Retrieved from http://www.technologyreview.com/news/539171/why-nasdaq-is-betting-on-bitcoinsblockchain/KEY WORDS: Identity, encryption, crypto-certification, encrypted data analytics, authentication, cyber security, internet of things, and data analyticsTECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT: Stephen Dennis, 202-254-45788, Stephen.Dennis@hq.dhs.gov
